The recent decades have seen a number of the so-called lifestyle diseases increase phenomenally. Experts opine that the major culprit behind this is the eating habit of most people. Indeed food is the greatest determinant of an individual’s wellbeing, and whatever you eat has an impact on how you live. The same case applies when it comes to mental health. Scientists have established a strong link between certain foods and certain conditions in the list of mental disorders. It hence goes without saying that your mental well being might be determined by what you imbibe or fail to imbibe.

Changes in foods

A hundred years ago, the type of food that used to be taken and the one being eaten today are quite different. In those days, due to lack of other options, most foods were organic and used to be eaten fresh from the farm. Today, however; the situation has changed, and people are leaning towards manufactured and processed foods more than before. It is not unusual to find people who survive on fast foods choosing to ignore the perils that such habits can render on the body. With the increased intake in these foods, sugar and fat levels have become elevated in the body leading to adverse diseases. People are taking fewer, and fewer fruits and vegetables and hence; are growing less healthy.

Moderation

Most people think that eating healthily is all about quantity, but it is not. The key to a good foundation of mental health is diet moderation. How much should you take in a day? The answer to such a question is highly individualized, but it is advisable that you gauge your portion depending on the physical activities you engage in as well as other crucial factors as weight and age. The most essential thing is to ensure that you eat a well-balanced meal that will sustain a good mental health.

Superfoods

Nowadays there is a craze to go organic. There are all manners of advertisements and commercials that are propagating healthy living and are promoting organic foods. While this is heading towards the right direction, there are other types of foods that are super-healthy and can help maintain good mental health. Fish is one such great food that has been associated with mental strength. Fish and other seafood are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are credited for good memory and brain strength. Others such as green tea and certain types of wild berries and fruits are known for flavonoids that work well for the brain and help prevent a number of mental disorders.

Avoid anxiety

The first step to a mental breakdown is anxiety. For most people with a mental disorder history, this is a common phenomenon. As most nutritionists will advise, there are several remedies in this and they sometimes lie in the type of food eaten. Food rich in amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants are known to help combat irritability and mood swings which are common symptoms of depression. If you ensure that your daily diet intake contains such foods, you will be able to escape some of the common mental health problems.

Supplements

Some neurological problems and mental complications are caused by a lack of specific nutrients. Some of these nutrients are readily available in everyday diets while others require food supplements. Lack of these nutrients can aggravate certain mental problems. Food rich in magnesium is known to be a good for mental health. Another way to boost your mental health is to take vitamin B-12 supplements.

Refined foods

The best way to maintain good mental health is by avoiding refined foods. Instead, it is advisable to take more of wholegrain cereals. Most processed foods contain artificial sugar, which is bad for mental health. Sugar is absorbed fast into the bloodstream, and this often results into an increase in energy in the body and a surge of insulin. This eventually leaves you tired and worn out. The unsubstantiated hypothesis posits that too much sugar in the body leads to poor memory. It is hence essential to take meals that help boost memory.

Whole grain cereals are the most preferred as the sugars contained in such meals are absorbed gradually meaning that the body is not prone to instantaneous wearing out and mood swings. Proteins are also important to the body when it comes to mental wellbeing. It is crucial to eat enough proteins to help maintain immunity in the body. Although animal proteins are the most nutritious, it is advisable to take more of plant proteins.